Product Overview

This Event Crowd Control and Public Safety Management SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to manage risks associated with crowd control, security operations, and public safety at events, festivals, and venues. It provides detailed, step-by-step controls to support WHS compliance and effective event risk management across multiple aspects of crowd and venue operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and delivering guest safety briefings, including communication of emergency procedures and venue rules
• Indoor arena management, including capacity limits, safe circulation routes, and emergency egress planning
• Installation and management of crowd control barriers, fencing, and queuing systems to prevent crush and impact hazards
• Managing crowd safety in peer-pressure situations and potential stampedes, including early intervention and de-escalation strategies
• Controlling and mitigating crowd surge risks at entrances and exits, including staggered entry, flow control, and gate management
• Security duties during public events, including bag checks, patron screening, and safe handling of aggressive or intoxicated persons
• Coordination with event organisers, emergency services, and venue management for incident response and evacuation
• Monitoring crowd density, behaviour, and environmental conditions (heat, noise, visibility) to identify early warning signs of risk
• Use of communication equipment (radios, PA systems, signage) to provide clear instructions to patrons and staff
• Emergency response procedures for medical incidents, lost children, and persons in distress within large crowds
• Safe management of vehicle movements in and around event sites, including drop-off zones and service access areas
• Fatigue management, shift planning, and role allocation for security and crowd control personnel

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for event organisers, security providers, crowd control officers, venue and stadium managers, and site supervisors responsible for public safety at events and large gatherings.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on safe access, egress, amenities, and emergency planning in workplaces and venues
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for crowd and event activities
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel at events
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant to managing falls on stairs, stands, and elevated viewing areas in arenas and event venues
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management – Guidelines: Principles and processes for systematic event and crowd risk management
• AS 3745-2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities: Guidance for emergency plans, evacuation diagrams, and response procedures in public venues and arenas
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017